‘Bombs’ Away
Continuing the move toward a more rock-driven approach emphasized on 2000’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind,” U2’s new “How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” is front-loaded with a host of satisfyingly straightforward tracks that should thrill the Irish band’s fans.
Highlights of the Interscope set include the chiming, strident “City of Blinding Lights,” the powerful Edge showcase “All Because of You” and the emotive, atmospheric “Miracle Drug,” where Bono scales the heights of his vocal register. First single “Vertigo,” which has gained maximum exposure thanks to its placement in an iPod ad, is in its fourth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Along with a standard CD release, “How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” will also be available on vinyl, as well as two CD editions with a bonus DVD featuring footage of U2 in the studio plus performances of three songs. The deluxe version will house the CD and DVD in a 48-page hardbound book.
U2 will kick off an extensive world tour March 1 in Miami. Beforehand, the band will celebrate the new album’s release with an impromptu concert Monday in a secret New York-area location.
